7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Posted by Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney on 20 Dec 2025

Toilets are a typical household fixture that we all use daily. There’s a tendency to accept the convenience of it as a given, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s not a garbage can. There are certain items that should never ever be flushed away down the drain as they can cause blockage within the drainage system or damage in sewer lines.

Key Takeaways

  • Do not flush certain things into the toilet because they could cause blockages in the drain or damage to sewer pipes.
  • Seven household items you should never flush down the toilet include:
    • Baby wipes
    • Condoms
    • Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
    • Products for female hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
    • Medications
    • Dental floss
    • Paper towels
  • Doing this can lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system. This will come at unimaginable expense to you.
  • Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining.

There are 7 household things that should not be flushed in the toilet.

1. Baby wipes

Baby wipes may seem convenient however, they do not disintegrate like toilet paper and could clog pipes. Put them in the trash instead.

2. Condoms

The flushing of condoms in the toilet could cause blockages in both the plumbing in your home and the wastewater treatment plant.

3. The cooking grease and oil

Oil and grease should be put in a container before throwing it away in the garbage bin, as they can harden and cause blockages in your drains and pipes.

4. Produits for female hygiene

Tampons and sanitary pads are often marketed to be "flushable, " but flushing them could cause trouble later on when they mix with other things and cause a obstruction.

5. Medicines

It is not recommended to flush medications in the toilet since they can contaminate our water sources.

6. Dental floss

Dental floss is made to be tough that means it will not break apart when wet, which can lead to the possibility of blockages to your pipes.

7. Paper towels

Unlike with toilet paper, the paper towels have a more dense weave which helps them to break down quickly when wet, which means they won’t easily blockage.

In conclusion, flushing one of these seven things could result in blocked drains as well as damaged pipes within your plumbing system that will result in a significant cost to you. Be mindful of what you flush down the toilet.

Item Reason for not Flushing
Baby wipes Do not break down like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Dispose of them in the trash instead.
Condoms Leads to blockages both at home’s plumbing and treatment plants.
Cooking grease and oil Will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes.
Feminine hygiene products Combining with other items creates a nasty clog despite being marketed as "flushable".
Medications Can contaminate our water sources.
Dental floss Designed to be strong, leading to potential blockages in pipes.
Paper towels Less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, easily causing blockages unlike with toilet paper.

Common Questions and Answers

Are feminine hygiene products flushed in the bathroom causing damage? actually harm my pipes?

Yes. The products used to clean your female hygiene don’t break down in water and may cause blockages to your sewer or pipes.

Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?

There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes don’t really break down and could cause clogs to your pipes.

Can I wash baby wipes by flushing them down the toilet?

No. Baby wipes should not be flushed into the toilet since they are not able to dissolve easily and can cause blockages.

Are paper towels safe to flush?

No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper and do not break down with the same ease, resulting in potential clogs in your plumbing system.

What about medication? Can I flush them into the toilet?

No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways, which is why it’s crucial to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking the containers to an appropriate drop-off point.

If you are dealing with an unblocking drain Do not be afraid to contact our professional plumbing service for assistance at Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney . We offer unblocking blocked drains as well as drain clearing CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to ensure that your home isn’t impacted by drainage problems. Call us now to make an appointment.

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